The events of the past several months have presented a wide range of challenges to the International NGO (INGO) community as COVID-19 has spread rapidly around the world. The operational realities of COVID-19 are causing organizations to create and adapt processes and procedures, reassess organizational customs and norms and establish new ways of working. Organizations are dedicating significant energy to projecting forward and making operational changes to uphold their duty of care and provide staff with a work environment that considers this new reality.

Recognizing this effort, the INGO community came together to produce Recovery & Wellness, COVID-19 which convenes subject matter experts and practitioners from the fields of Human Resources, Insurances and Benefits, Staff Wellbeing, Security and Risk Management and Non-profit Law and Compliance. Each module seeks to provide guidance, suggestions for internal communications and an action list organized by Highly Recommended, Recommended and Beneficial actions. These are general recommendations which may not apply uniformly to all organizations and were specifically designed for small to midsized organizations.

B 10. Travel management. 

INGOs should be cautious in authorizing travel and returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to note that it will be the organization’s responsibility to address problems which arise during this period. If you have expatriates unable to access medical or security evacuation options in a particular location either because of government-imposed travel restrictions or an inability to obtain transportation, you may be responsible for arranging unexpected emergency support, including accommodations, meals, medical care, financial assistance, travel arrangements, security/or and family support.